How to Be More Articulate: 5 Tips to Improve Speech

The Importance of Being Articulate: 5 Strategies to Improve Your Speech

Effective communication is a skill that can empower you in many areas of life. Whether it's expressing your needs and opinions to coworkers or expressing your emotions to loved ones, good communication is essential. Speaking clearly and articulately can sometimes be a challenge, but that doesn't mean it's out of your reach. Here are five tips to help you become a more articulate speaker.

What Does It Mean to Be Articulate?

When we define articulateness, we are referring to someone who uses the right words and speaks at a pace that is both clear and understandable. It is not about using as many big words or fancy language as possible; rather, it's about communicating with precision so that the listener can comprehend the meaning without guesswork. Of course, context matters when it comes to articulation, so it is important to consider the situation.

Benefits of Being an Articulate Speaker

Being an articulate speaker can make a positive impression on both personal and professional relationships. It can build confidence in conversations, from the workplace to dinner with family. You may also find yourself appearing as a leader when you are able to express your thoughts accurately and concisely. People who are articulate may find they receive feedback more willingly as well.

Five Tips for Improving Articulation

• Record yourself speaking and then take the time to listen back. Identify which bad habits you need to improve, focus on specific areas, and don't waste time trying to patch up parts of your speech you don't need help with.
• Pay attention to how you end your sentences and thoughts, ensuring you finish them with intent and purpose. Think of this as the closer and speaking with confidence and accuracy will leave a lasting impression on the listener.
• Accuracy is key in articulation, so make sure you are pronouncing words correctly. Listen to other people speaking and practice the sounds you hear. Choose the right words and use them with the accurate pronunciation and you will automatically sound more articulate.
• Spend some time listening to podcasts, audio books and watching videos. Pay attention to the articulation and pronunciation of other people and try to imitate them. Practice how they emphasize their words and try to replicate the impactful words they use.
• Don't forget about body language when it comes to being articulate. Make eye contact with your listener, keep your posture open and try to smile so your words are accompanied with a warm, genuine expression.

Given time and practice, becoming a more articulate speaker is an achievable goal. Nurturing this skill has the potential to bring you great success in both your personal and professional lives.

Understanding How Body Language Can Speak Volumes

Communication is far more than just the spoken word. Your body language has a lot to say about your level of articulate speech. Practice standing up straight and maintain eye contact with the people you're talking to. Show clear facial expressions and use hand gestures to emphasize your points. Slouching or avoiding eye contact can make it seem like you're not very articulate.

Becoming an Articulate Speaker

Developing the ability to be articulate and speak with clarity requires dedication and commitment. However, the effort is worth it as being able to effectively share your ideas and feelings leads to stronger connections with those around you.

Strategies for Articulation

The key to articulation is knowing how to use the right words and speaking with confidence. Vary your pitch and use emphasis to make your words come alive and ensure that people understand what you're saying. To get inspiration for articulate speech, look to books, podcasts, and TEDTalks. Additionally, be mindful of the speed of your speech. Speaking too fast can cause mistakes, while speaking too slow can cause listeners to lose interest.

The Advantage of Being Articulate

Being articulate comes with a variety of benefits. It will help you professionally by allowing you to give better presentations and create better connections with colleagues and clients. On a personal level, it will boost your self-esteem and help you better communicate with those around you.

Understanding Articulation

• Appreciate the small wins as you become a more articulate speaker.
• Take the time to study examples of articulate speech.
• Be mindful of the speed of your speech and use pitch variation to emphasize certain words.
• Having the ability to express yourself clearly and accurately is incredibly valuable.

Further Your Knowledge with Shiken

Shiken is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to further develop their articulate skills. From leadership training to business coaching, they provide you with all the guidance to become a more expressive and confident speaker. Take advantage of their support and get one step closer to unlocking your fullest potential.

Level Up Your Game with Shiken

Shiken is a platform that helps individuals take their game to the next level with resources covering a wide range of topics, such as Lead Care, Sales Performance, Executive, Diversity & Inclusion, and Case Studies. With Shiken you have access to the necessary tools to help you become more articulate and succeed.

Staying the Course

The process of becoming more articulate takes time and effort. Don't become discouraged when you don't immediately have all the answers. Each time you make progress, use it as an opportunity to motivate yourself to keep going and to work towards each goal. With a clear goal in mind, you are sure to achieve success in the long-term.

Utilizing Shiken's Resources

Shiken offers many resources to help further your understanding of how to properly express yourself. Moreover, their platform covers topics that will strengthen your foundation while simultaneously helping you to improve in areas that you want to be better in. Be sure to check out all the different resources that Shiken has to offer.